One of our favorite things to do each year is to pull together our Holiday Gift Guide, which highlights businesses committed to promoting a neurodiverse workforce. But a close second to that is purchasing from these businesses. You could call it retail therapy; I prefer to think of it as research. Because, honestly - what kind of gift guide would it be if we didn’t try out at least SOME of the products?
In all seriousness, these are truly great products. They’re not products to buy out of obligation or as a favor to the disability community. They’re, on their own, awesome. And the fact that they offer proof of the value of a neurodiverse workforce? Well, that makes them even better.
So, here’s what we’ve tried so far …
Popcorn for the People - We bought these as teacher gifts last year, and they’re one of my favorite things we’ve done. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure my last-minute Dunkin’ gift cards of the past were appreciated, but these felt more meaningful. And they were easy - just wrapped them with a ribbon and a gift tag from Grace Place Art.
Texas Sweet Heat Jam Co. - Ahh, these were so delicious. Holiday Heat was great (and a hit at our holiday party!), and I especially loved the carrot cake jam. Definitely getting some more this year.
Purely Patrick - Our son is super into learning his way around the kitchen. He’s also super into cookies. So, making Purely Patrick’s creamsicle cookies was a win/win. In his word, “they’re bussin’”.
Shemesh Farms - We got several spices from here. I use the salt and roses I got there last year on my avocado toast, and it’s sooo good. I also got their cookbook, which I’ve been pulling out when I want to try something new.
Savor by Suzie - Four words: roasted garlic and herb. Seriously. Try these. Take our word for it, they’re incredible.
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee - I love my “radically inclusive” trucker hat. (And I get compliments every time I wear it! It’s a great conversation starter.)
Cam’s Coffee Co. - We picked up a few teas, which were so good (and so fragrant). I also got some of the coffee body scrub, which was a perfect morning pick me up and made my skin so smooth.
Haerfest Coffee - Here’s another item we used for teacher gifts. What I really like is that every bag is designed with gorgeous artwork and information about the artist. So, it feels like you’re gifting a lot more than a bag of coffee.
t21 Coffee - I’d love to say these coffees were gifts (because they’d make a great gift!), but I tried their coffee myself. It was great. I also served it to a guest, and it got rave reviews.
Inspired Threads - I like to think of myself as a blanket connoisseur. Throws, blankets, you name it, I love it. And the blanket I got here is on a whole other level. Seriously. It’s gorgeous, it’s soft, it’s snuggly. It’s so great my husband got one for himself (I wasn’t sharing haha), and this year we’re investing in a snuggle size.
Be Kind to Everyone - Besides the fundamentally good message, these shirts are SOFT. We both own shirts from here, and they get worn A LOT.
John’s Crazy Socks - Because they have so many socks to choose from, we found these to be a great way to give a fun, personal gift to friends and co-workers.
The Spotlight Project - I was fortunate enough to receive some of these bracelets for Mothers’ Day one year, and I love them. They’re a perfect add to the jewelry I already wear, and they mean so much to me.
Vichy’s Art - I loved so much of the art here, and I’m horrible with decisions. I got the desk calendar so I’d never have to pick just one. I love seeing it on my desk every day; it just brightens everything up.
Grace Place Art - I love her art!! Last year, we bought gift tags to add to all of our gifts. So you can imagine my excitement when I found out this year they were offering wrapping paper. I picked that up fast!
Jack’s Cheesecake - Jack is pretty popular around here. And there’s a reason why - his cheesecake is GOOD. (Again, got the rating of approval by our 11-year-old: “bussin’”) It’s so good, I picked up a variety of their minis to add to our Thanksgiving dessert table this year, and they were a hit.
Love.Craft.Athens - It’s become a tradition for us to get something when they appear at AthFest every year. The first year, we got a cool magnet, and last year, I got some funky kitchen towels. One of a kind - AND they mean something.
If you’re looking for other businesses that support a neurodiverse workforce that YOU can support. check out our full Holiday Gift Guide, which features over 90 businesses.